U.S. Cutting Planned Troop Presence in Liberia

BY ROBERT BURNS
Associated Press National Security Writer

WASHINGTON — The commander of the U.S. military’s Ebola response in Liberia says the mission will be limited to 3,000 troops – which is 1,000 fewer than originally planned.

Army Maj. Gen. Gary Voleski told reporters Wednesday that the lower number is sufficient because there are a greater-than-expected number of contractors available in Liberia to provide support like construction work.

Voleski, who is commander of the 101st Airborne Division, said there currently are 2,200 U.S. troops in Liberia. He said the total will top out at 3,000 by mid-December. The U.S. originally said it would deploy up to 4,000 troops.